East finally meets West in a dazzling display of creativity at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, the first-ever Asian edition of the iconic pop culture festival that has brought together international trends and local flavour, creating a truly unique experience.
Over 30,000 attendees descended upon the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from 22 to 24 March, eager to witness limited-edition footwear, apparel, and toy figurine releases, captivating art installations, and electrifying musical performances. From showcases by renowned global brands, to pieces from rising Hong Kong stars, the inaugural ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 solidified its place as a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the intersection of fashion, art, and music.
As artistic director of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, renowned Japanese artist Verdy, perhaps best known as the current artistic director of K-pop act Blackpink, unveiled an exclusive merchandise collection and a vibrant pop-up store with McDonald’s Hong Kong, blending culinary delights with cultural artistry with this collaboration. The pop-up, adorned with his iconic character Vick, offered a unique experience with McDonald’s classics such as the McNuggets and Hotcakes reimagined with specially designed food packaging. Additionally, exclusive Verdy-designed McDonald’s merchandise such as sweatshirts, T-shirts and bandanas were sold on-site. Set for release on 26 March, there were also online pre-orders for a world-exclusive McDonald’s x Verdy Vick’s Collector’s Set (4 figurines) sold at HK$480, which included a free 18pcs Chicken McNuggets meal with four limited-time dipping sauces.
Verdy, also famed for his contributions to the Wasted Youth and Girls Don’t Cry collections, brought these exclusive items to the ComplexCon Gift Shop, where attendees were able to snag limited edition Girls Don’t Cry merchandise.
Following their 2023 Worlds Championship victory, South Korean Esports team T1’s celebrated mid-laner, Faker, and creative force VandyThePink, revealed their second apparel collaboration at ComplexCon Hong Kong. This latest collection showcased VandyThePink’s bold graphics, featuring a unique burger mascot and an original depiction of Faker in his element on a gaming chair. The duo’s creative synergy breathes life into a wide array of merchandise, including tees, hoodies, varsity jackets, trucker caps, tote bags, and bag charms. Additionally, they have also joined forces with Singapore’s Secretlab, to launch a co-branded gaming chair, which attendees could stand a chance to win after purchasing merchandise from the newest collection.
Global K-pop girl group Blackpink also reunited with Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami for a captivating capsule collection, making its debut at ComplexCon Hong Kong. The In Your Area collection introduces 15 exclusive pieces, including a special edition Blackpink light stick crafted by Murakami, and a ComplexCon-exclusive shirt, available only during the event. The booth, adorned with colourful LED walls, brings Pandakashi, a character created by Murakami, to life with charming animations. This marks the second collaboration between Blackpink and Murakami, following their initial 19-piece Pandakashi collection launched last December.
Forget the catwalk as the future of fashion is interactive, as Hong Kong-based digital fashion initiative FabriX didn’t just showcase the next big thing in fashion, they actually built it. Their interactive booth, armed with AR (augmented reality) Photo Kiosks, offered attendees an immersive shopping experience, presenting exclusive digital designs from select designers and brands from Hong Kong, China, and beyond.
Artist Chloe Chen‘s distinctive artistic vision truly stood out at ComplexCon Hong Kong. Beginning her art career at just eight years old, Chen’s booth offered an intimate glimpse into her creative universe. On display were her notable works: Fictional Self, Fantasy Shopping Bag, Nightmare Robot, and Spinning Girl. Each piece acted as a portal, drawing viewers into a world where the lines between dreams and reality blur, hinting at the evolving landscape of art.
Acclaimed art toy brand from New York, ToyQube, boasted collaborations with a Who’s Who of designers, artists, and high-profile brands worldwide, including The Bathing Ape, Billionaire Boys Club, and celebrities such as Kid Cudi and Katy Perry, not to mention a fruitful partnership with Tezuka Productions for their Astro Boy series. Visitors were treated to an extraordinary sight: a collaboration with artist Offgod on a giant inflatable sculpture, and a not-to-be-missed official partnership featuring Astro Boy on an RWB classic sports car. With such a diverse and compelling lineup, ToyQube’s booth was a must-visit for collectors eager to enrich their collections with truly distinctive art collectables.
Xiaohongshu’s Instagram-worthy booth, the <2124 REDCORE CLUB>, was envisioned as the sole repository of trendy culture in a post-apocalyptic universe marked by a global blackout in 2124.
Visitors stopped by Red Bull’s booth for a refreshing drink at the bar and seized the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills. The booth featured a basketball court unlike any other, crafted with the distinctive style of Hong Kong-based graffiti artist Xeme.
Smartphone accessory brand CASETiFY teamed up with WON SOJU, the soju brand by Korean rapper Jay Park, to unveil an exclusive collaborative collection of cases for phones, AirPods, and laptops. This partnership is a testament to the seamless integration of traditional cultural elements with cutting-edge technology, showcased through minimalist black-and-white designs that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship.
ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 wasn’t just about shopping as the stage also sizzled with a diverse lineup of musical acts. The energy kicked off with the electrifying fusion sounds of 3CORNERZ, a Hong Kong hip-hop group. The party continued with a powerhouse performance from AOMG artists like Simon Dominic, GRAY, and Loco. Finally, British rapper 21 Savage closed out the festival with a chart-topping set.
As ComplexCon Hong Kong wrapped up, it was clear that the event had set the bar for showcasing the intersection of art, culture, and technology. From the innovative showcases by CASETiFY and WON SOJU to the adrenaline-fueled challenges at the Red Bull basketball court, attendees were immersed in a world where creativity knew no bounds. The unique collaborations and interactive booths not only highlighted emerging trends but also celebrated the spirit of global connectivity.
Whether it was through the digital fashion revolutions of FabriX or the cultural crossovers seen at the ToyQube booth, ComplexCon proved to be a melting pot of inspiration for trendsetters and culture enthusiasts alike.
Until next year, ComplexCon Hong Kong will leave us with a wealth of inspiration and anticipation for what the future of lifestyle and culture will bring.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Si Jia
